BRUSSELS

The European Union’s enlargement chief on Tuesday said 2025 was a year of strong momentum for the bloc’s expansion drive, citing major strides by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine toward EU membership.

"2025 was a good year for our work with candidate countries,” Marta Kos said during a presentation at the European Parliament. “There have been significant advances on the EU path achieved so far by Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. This shows that reforms pay off."

Kos said enlargement remains a core geopolitical priority for the EU, stressing that cooperation with candidate countries is key to ensuring a “strong, stable, secure and united Europe based on shared values and principles.”

Montenegro remains the most advanced candidate, she said, having closed several negotiation chapters and made tangible reform progress.

Albania, meanwhile, has made what she called “unprecedented progress,” supported by strong public backing for EU membership.

Kos praised Moldova for making "the most progress in just one year" despite facing hybrid threats and external pressures. She also highlighted Ukraine's continued reform momentum and alignment with EU standards, noting both have completed their screening processes.

The European Commission aims to allow the EU Council to open all negotiation clusters with Moldova and Ukraine by November, Kos said, reaffirming the bloc’s commitment to a “merit-based approach.”

She also announced new initiatives under the “gradual integration” framework, which would allow candidate countries to participate in EU programs before full membership if they meet required conditions.

However, Kos also noted challenges remain, citing stalled reforms in Serbia, political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and democratic backsliding in Georgia.

North Macedonia, she said, advanced reforms but must act on constitutional changes and judicial independence, while Kosovo's progress was slowed by elections and political deadlock.

"Enlargement can only be successful if it will make our union stronger," she said.